Is AI Overhyped? With Cal Newport

Is this the most powerful presidency in modern history? Ravi welcomes Tyler Austin Harper back to the show to dig into Trump’s aggressive executive orders, the GOP’s split response, and what “malicious compliance” really means. They also discuss the chaos and backlash resulting from the executive overreach and the broader implications of Trump testing the limits of his presidential power. Ravi and Tyler then take a closer look at how Democrats and the media have failed to adapt to the new political landscape. They examine the rising appeal of populism, the failures of the expert class, and the need for new strategies that can challenge the political status quo. Leave us a voicemail with your thoughts on the show! 321-200-0570 Follow Ravi on Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/ravimgupta --- Follow Ravi at @ravimgupta Follow The Branch at @thebranchmedia Notes from this episode are available on Substack: https://thelostdebate.substack.com/ Lost Debate is available on the following platforms:  • Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lost-debate/id1591300785 • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xR9pch9DrQDiZfGB5oF0F • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ravimgupta • Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vTERJNTc1ODE3Mzk3Nw  • iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-lost-debate-88330217/ • Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/752ca262-2801-466d-9654-2024de72bd1f/the-lost-debate

30 Jan 42min

Political technologist Eric Wilson joins Ravi to explore the rapidly changing world of political campaigning. They discuss why podcasts were a major player in the 2024 election, the ways the new media landscape will continue to shape politics, and what campaigns should do in response. Ravi and Eric also explore the fragmentation of media consumption, how traditional field operations have struggled to adapt to the realities of the attention economy, and why more innovative business models are needed in journalism. Leave us a voicemail with your thoughts on the show! 321-200-0570 Follow Ravi on Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/ravimgupta --- Follow Ravi at @ravimgupta Follow The Branch at @thebranchmedia Notes from this episode are available on Substack: https://thelostdebate.substack.com/ Lost Debate is available on the following platforms:  • Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lost-debate/id1591300785 • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xR9pch9DrQDiZfGB5oF0F • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ravimgupta • Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vTERJNTc1ODE3Mzk3Nw  • iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-lost-debate-88330217/ • Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/752ca262-2801-466d-9654-2024de72bd1f/the-lost-debate

28 Jan 41min

Ravi sits down with New York Times education reporter and bestselling author Dana Goldstein to unpack the Trump administration’s early moves on education policy. They begin by examining the administration’s immigration agenda, its potential impact on the 700,000+ undocumented school-age children in the U.S., and why there’s still much to learn about how policy changes could be enforced. They then explore the tension between the administration’s stated goals of reducing federal involvement in education and its ambitious plans for a “patriotic curriculum” and increased school oversight. Dana also shares insights into the state of teaching and how burnout, pay disparities, and housing challenges have reshaped the profession. Finally, Ravi and Dana discuss emerging educational trends, including new school choice initiatives and a renewed focus on literacy curricula, how they’re influencing classrooms nationwide, and what they suggest about the future of American education. Leave us a voicemail with your thoughts on the show! 321-200-0570 Follow Ravi on Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/ravimgupta --- Follow Ravi at @ravimgupta Follow The Branch at @thebranchmedia Notes from this episode are available on Substack: https://thelostdebate.substack.com/ Follow Ravi on Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/ravimgupta Lost Debate is available on the following platforms:  • Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lost-debate/id1591300785 • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xR9pch9DrQDiZfGB5oF0F • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ravimgupta • Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vTERJNTc1ODE3Mzk3Nw  • iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-lost-debate-88330217/ • Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/752ca262-2801-466d-9654-2024de72bd1f/the-lost-debate

26 Jan 38min

Ravi sits down with Brandon Brown, CEO of The Mind Trust, to explore the groundbreaking education reforms that have elevated Indianapolis into a national example of excellence in public education. From charter schools to innovative community-driven models, Brandon shares how educators and advocates have harnessed the three pillars of success—autonomy, accountability, and leadership—to build a sustainable, bipartisan coalition in support of transformative change. Ravi and Brandon then delve into the evolving political landscape and emerging forms of school choice, unpacking how these forces will shape the future of education. Finally, they turn to the future and discuss what true innovation in education means in 2025 and how it can redefine opportunities for students nationwide. Leave us a voicemail with your thoughts on the show! 321-200-0570 Follow Ravi on Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/ravimgupta --- Follow Ravi at @ravimgupta Follow The Branch at @thebranchmedia Notes from this episode are available on Substack: https://thelostdebate.substack.com/ Follow Ravi on Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/ravimgupta Lost Debate is available on the following platforms:  • Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lost-debate/id1591300785 • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xR9pch9DrQDiZfGB5oF0F • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ravimgupta • Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vTERJNTc1ODE3Mzk3Nw  • iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-lost-debate-88330217/ • Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/752ca262-2801-466d-9654-2024de72bd1f/the-lost-debate

23 Jan 42min

Ravi welcomes Jeff Asher, a leading crime data analyst, to break down the complexities of crime statistics in America. They discuss Jeff’s report, "Crime in 2024: A Historic Drop in Murder with Declining Violent and Property Crime" and his predictions for 2025 crime trends. Jeff highlights the recent decline in crime rates across the country, particularly in New Orleans, and examines the factors contributing to these changes, including police resources and community investments. They also delve into the surprising decline in bank robberies, the impact of immigration on crime statistics, and why data-driven analysis is crucial for understanding crime beyond anecdotes. Leave us a voicemail with your thoughts on the show! 321-200-0570 Follow Ravi on Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/ravimgupta --- Follow Ravi at @ravimgupta Follow The Branch at @thebranchmedia Notes from this episode are available on Substack: https://thelostdebate.substack.com/ Lost Debate is available on the following platforms:  • Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lost-debate/id1591300785 • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xR9pch9DrQDiZfGB5oF0F • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ravimgupta • Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vTERJNTc1ODE3Mzk3Nw  • iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-lost-debate-88330217/ • Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/752ca262-2801-466d-9654-2024de72bd1f/the-lost-debate

21 Jan 39min

Ravi welcomes Bradley Tusk back to the show for a wide-ranging conversation on some of today’s most pressing issues. They kick things off with an analysis of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal, exploring the geopolitical forces at play and the role Trump’s impending return to the White House may have had on its timing. They then shift focus to New York City politics. Can Eric Adams pull off a reelection, or is Andrew Cuomo poised for a comeback? Ravi and Bradley tackle the city’s pressing challenges, from safety and quality-of-life issues to outdated scaffolding laws, all while looking ahead to the next mayoral race. Finally, they turn to the wildfires still ravaging Southern California, examining the political and logistical fallout of the fires and its impact on city governance. Leave us a voicemail with your thoughts on the show! 321-200-0570 Follow Ravi on Good Reads: www.goodreads.com/ravimgupta --- Follow Ravi at @ravimgupta Follow The Branch at @thebranchmedia Notes from this episode are available on Substack: https://thelostdebate.substack.com/ Lost Debate is available on the following platforms:  • Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lost-debate/id1591300785 • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xR9pch9DrQDiZfGB5oF0F • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ravimgupta • Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vTERJNTc1ODE3Mzk3Nw  • iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-lost-debate-88330217/ • Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/752ca262-2801-466d-9654-2024de72bd1f/the-lost-debate

16 Jan 42min

Ravi welcomes M. Nolan Gray, city planner and housing expert, to discuss his insightful Atlantic piece, “How Well-Intentioned Policies Fueled L.A.’s Fires.” They dive into the Los Angeles fires, the media narratives surrounding the crisis, and the politicized responses. Ravi and Nolan examine how certain housing policies exacerbated the disaster and explore the challenges posed by insurance, land use, and urban development in California—while also highlighting reasons to remain optimistic about Los Angeles’ future. Leave us a voicemail with your thoughts on the show! 321-200-0570 Follow Ravi on Good Reads: www.goodreads.com/ravimgupta --- Follow Ravi at @ravimgupta Follow The Branch at @thebranchmedia Notes from this episode are available on Substack: https://thelostdebate.substack.com/ Lost Debate is available on the following platforms:  • Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lost-debate/id1591300785 • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xR9pch9DrQDiZfGB5oF0F • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ravimgupta • Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vTERJNTc1ODE3Mzk3Nw  • iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-lost-debate-88330217/ • Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/752ca262-2801-466d-9654-2024de72bd1f/the-lost-debate

14 Jan 37min

Ravi kicks off the show by reflecting on the devastating California wildfires, delving into their economic impact, the challenges state and local officials face, and the looming threat of a home insurance crisis that could reshape the state’s future. Next, Ravi sits down with New York Times reporter Roni Rabin to unpack two critical public health issues: fluoride in drinking water and alcohol consumption. They explore the latest science on fluoride’s potential impact on children’s IQ and the heated debates about fluoride in U.S. water supplies. Ravi and Roni then pivot to alcohol, examining recent conflicting reports on its health effects, the pervasive influence of industry funding on alcohol research, and how people can make informed decisions about their consumption. Leave us a voicemail with your thoughts on the show! 321-200-0570 Follow Ravi on Good Reads: www.goodreads.com/ravimgupta --- Follow Ravi at @ravimgupta Follow The Branch at @thebranchmedia Notes from this episode are available on Substack: https://thelostdebate.substack.com/ Lost Debate is available on the following platforms:  • Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lost-debate/id1591300785 • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7xR9pch9DrQDiZfGB5oF0F • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ravimgupta • Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vTERJNTc1ODE3Mzk3Nw  • iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-lost-debate-88330217/ • Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/752ca262-2801-466d-9654-2024de72bd1f/the-lost-debate

9 Jan 32min